training improves performance shows that the memory deficit also concerns
a production aspect, which is not irreversible. By contrasting two different
types of mnemonics (Experiment 2) we were able to verify that imaginal
strategies are equally useful for elderly people, but that specific differences
and preferences may be found between subjects. Nevertheless, an imaginal
and effortful type of mnemonic like the loci method also can produce positive
effects. Furthermore, our elderly subjects were able to maintain long-term
recall of items learned through mnemonics. In our opinion, the particularly
satisfactory results obtained in Experiment 2 (as compared to results quoted
in the literature) are due to the sufficient length of training.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The research was partially supported by a national CNR grant (progetto
finalizzato invecchiamento) to the Unit directed by M. Cesa Bianchi, University of Milano. The authors are deeply indebted to F. Capitanio, A. Cavallarin, G. Pavan, and I. Perin for their help in data collecting.

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